Kern County, California Property Taxes
Median Kern County effective property tax rate: 1.42%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Kern County home value: $197,658
Median annual Kern County tax bill: $2,768, $368 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Kern County calculated?
Property taxes in Kern County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Bakersfield or another part of Kern County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Kern County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.42%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,807
$2,605
Property Tax Rates Across Kern County, California
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.
Below, you can compare Kern County's effective property tax rate to other counties in California or the U.S. median property tax rate. Kern County has a median property tax rate of 1.42%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within California, Kern County's rate is relatively moderate. For instance, Maricopa has the highest median tax rate in the area at 2.14%, while Keene boasts the lowest at 1.12%. These variations highlight the importance of understanding local property tax rates, as they can significantly impact your annual tax bill. By staying informed, you can better navigate the property tax landscape and potentially reduce your financial burden.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Kern County Tax Rate
1.42%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective California Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Kern County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Sierra | 1.14% | 1.15% | 1.19% | 1.30% | 1.45% |
| Arvin | 1.25% | 1.59% | 1.81% | 2.12% | 2.78% |
| Bakersfield | 1.18% | 1.35% | 1.48% | 1.68% | 2.09% |
| Bear Valley Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bella Vista | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bodfish | 1.13% | 1.18% | 1.25% | 1.40% | 1.63% |
| Boron | 1.06% | 1.25% | 1.39% | 1.63% | 2.02% |
| Breckenridge | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Buttonwillow | 1.21% | 1.41% | 1.61% | 2.05% | 2.59% |
| Caliente | 0.95% | 1.09% | 1.14% | 1.21% | 1.34% |
| California City | 0.95% | 1.23% | 1.30% | 1.45% | 1.71% |
| Canebrake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cantil | 0.90% | 1.11% | 1.28% | 1.55% | 2.39% |
| China Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Claraville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Delano | 1.10% | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.25% | 1.32% |
| Derby Acres | 0.62% | 1.09% | 1.19% | 1.44% | 2.02% |
| Devils Den | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Dustin Acres | 1.29% | 1.35% | 1.40% | 1.56% | 1.64% |
| Edison | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Edwards | 0.88% | 1.21% | 1.28% | 1.47% | 1.78% |
| Elk Hills | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fellows | 0.59% | 1.07% | 1.19% | 1.38% | 1.59% |
| Frazier Park | 1.04% | 1.12% | 1.15% | 1.21% | 1.34% |
| Fremont Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Glennville | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.15% | 1.22% | 1.37% |
| Grass Valley | 0.79% | 1.07% | 1.15% | 1.21% | 1.26% |
| Greenfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Havilah | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Indian Wells | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Inyokern | 1.06% | 1.10% | 1.16% | 1.35% | 1.87% |
| Johannesburg | 1.11% | 1.25% | 1.48% | 1.79% | 2.61% |
| Keene | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.16% | 1.21% |
| Kern County | 1.04% | 1.16% | 1.37% | 1.85% | 2.25% |
| Kernville | 1.08% | 1.13% | 1.16% | 1.21% | 1.28% |
| Lake Isabella | 1.10% | 1.15% | 1.21% | 1.37% | 1.90% |
| Lake Of The Woods | 1.06% | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.20% | 1.32% |
| Lamont | 1.30% | 1.46% | 1.61% | 1.98% | 2.73% |
| Lancaster | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lebec | 1.04% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.20% | 1.32% |
| Lost Hills | 0.31% | 1.10% | 1.49% | 1.77% | 2.86% |
| Maricopa | 1.11% | 1.44% | 2.14% | 3.24% | 5.02% |
| Mc Farland | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.27% | 1.35% | 1.50% |
| Mc Kittrick | 0.85% | 1.11% | 1.22% | 1.49% | 1.90% |
| Mettler | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mojave | 0.95% | 1.23% | 1.30% | 1.43% | 1.67% |
| Mountain Mesa | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| North Edwards | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.54% | 1.88% | 1.99% |
| Old River | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Onyx | 1.07% | 1.16% | 1.27% | 1.48% | 1.84% |
| Paris Loraine | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pine Mountain Club | 1.09% | 1.13% | 1.17% | 1.21% | 1.29% |
| Pond | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Randsburg | 1.17% | 1.26% | 1.42% | 1.92% | 3.02% |
| Ridgecrest | 1.06% | 1.19% | 1.32% | 1.52% | 1.99% |
| Rosamond | 1.03% | 1.26% | 1.64% | 1.91% | 2.27% |
| Sand Canyon | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Shafter | 0.97% | 1.23% | 1.34% | 1.62% | 1.82% |
| South Gate | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.20% | 1.44% |
| Squirrel Moutain Valley | 0.69% | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.16% | 1.21% |
| Taft | 1.24% | 1.55% | 1.91% | 2.65% | 3.74% |
| Tehachapi | 1.06% | 1.17% | 1.22% | 1.31% | 1.41% |
| Tupman | 1.17% | 1.23% | 1.44% | 1.86% | 2.54% |
| Twin Oaks | 1.05% | 1.09% | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.37% |
| Valley Acres | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Walker Basin | 0.74% | 1.03% | 1.13% | 1.18% | 1.32% |
| Walker Pass | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wasco | 1.05% | 1.22% | 1.28% | 1.37% | 1.56% |
| Weldon | 1.09% | 1.17% | 1.25% | 1.44% | 1.69% |
| Willow Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wofford Heights | 1.11% | 1.16% | 1.22% | 1.33% | 1.54% |
| Woody | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.19% | 1.38% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kern County, California
When examining property taxes in Kern County, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Kern County Assessor’s Office estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices: In Kern County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Kern County. For example, the median tax bill in Kern County is $2,400, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Keene has the highest median home price at $435,324.
Median Kern County Market Value
$197,658
Median California Market Value
$378,421
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kern County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Sierra | $47,181 | $82,060 | $187,749 | $331,862 | $424,428 |
| Arvin | $54,672 | $98,783 | $141,607 | $218,726 | $263,757 |
| Bakersfield | $75,669 | $136,167 | $225,465 | $328,091 | $445,000 |
| Bear Valley Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bella Vista | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bodfish | $27,286 | $47,162 | $80,011 | $130,502 | $181,513 |
| Boron | $16,326 | $28,961 | $54,625 | $92,348 | $130,213 |
| Breckenridge | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Buttonwillow | $35,334 | $57,752 | $98,490 | $153,469 | $216,394 |
| Caliente | $53,451 | $97,898 | $166,464 | $253,722 | $348,329 |
| California City | $49,494 | $84,880 | $142,889 | $214,200 | $287,777 |
| Canebrake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cantil | $8,575 | $19,813 | $48,701 | $81,133 | $108,721 |
| China Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Claraville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Delano | $64,623 | $109,554 | $152,621 | $227,324 | $296,514 |
| Derby Acres | $9,435 | $26,878 | $54,760 | $137,904 | $194,276 |
| Devils Den | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Dustin Acres | $91,542 | $107,305 | $166,219 | $202,471 | $227,237 |
| Edison | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Edwards | $26,295 | $46,511 | $81,715 | $127,456 | $181,099 |
| Elk Hills | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fellows | $18,167 | $41,744 | $71,026 | $144,876 | $244,913 |
| Frazier Park | $54,318 | $103,708 | $176,630 | $274,528 | $386,580 |
| Fremont Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Glennville | $52,872 | $101,502 | $173,367 | $248,794 | $386,325 |
| Grass Valley | $88,614 | $117,817 | $226,000 | $281,000 | $365,455 |
| Greenfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Havilah | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Indian Wells | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Inyokern | $12,632 | $38,304 | $95,660 | $173,574 | $262,333 |
| Johannesburg | $8,579 | $15,740 | $30,639 | $61,855 | $84,503 |
| Keene | $127,312 | $269,736 | $435,324 | $586,030 | $768,860 |
| Kern County | $22,152 | $87,280 | $232,216 | $539,113 | $681,517 |
| Kernville | $46,957 | $113,796 | $197,954 | $306,000 | $440,412 |
| Lake Isabella | $22,752 | $46,818 | $94,389 | $165,000 | $244,640 |
| Lake Of The Woods | $65,363 | $77,308 | $145,283 | $204,496 | $296,064 |
| Lamont | $28,934 | $59,302 | $100,245 | $135,587 | $189,542 |
| Lancaster | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lebec | $38,183 | $86,399 | $168,232 | $286,201 | $401,189 |
| Lost Hills | $7,500 | $32,254 | $92,723 | $164,172 | $216,573 |
| Maricopa | $16,375 | $30,517 | $57,222 | $100,392 | $163,200 |
| Mc Farland | $62,023 | $94,032 | $145,314 | $218,348 | $258,587 |
| Mc Kittrick | $21,888 | $30,794 | $65,831 | $104,017 | $156,500 |
| Mettler | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mojave | $29,424 | $51,679 | $91,468 | $158,878 | $226,643 |
| Mountain Mesa | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| North Edwards | $19,075 | $22,133 | $41,616 | $190,975 | $264,330 |
| Old River | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Onyx | $19,925 | $33,984 | $62,954 | $152,088 | $239,555 |
| Paris Loraine | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pine Mountain Club | $114,153 | $168,540 | $248,128 | $354,570 | $448,086 |
| Pond | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Randsburg | $6,778 | $19,563 | $39,878 | $63,875 | $109,981 |
| Ridgecrest | $35,441 | $87,073 | $163,129 | $243,780 | $327,836 |
| Rosamond | $43,595 | $110,145 | $197,130 | $314,036 | $402,900 |
| Sand Canyon | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Shafter | $51,979 | $106,802 | $199,040 | $316,770 | $397,800 |
| South Gate | $12,328 | $47,746 | $118,686 | $187,813 | $295,059 |
| Squirrel Moutain Valley | $62,926 | $133,579 | $195,213 | $330,000 | $502,237 |
| Taft | $27,704 | $51,197 | $100,103 | $171,381 | $244,800 |
| Tehachapi | $105,733 | $174,067 | $267,680 | $364,140 | $461,013 |
| Tupman | $8,634 | $17,352 | $37,630 | $57,813 | $94,098 |
| Twin Oaks | $47,201 | $75,973 | $120,898 | $188,063 | $259,796 |
| Valley Acres | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Walker Basin | $66,414 | $124,801 | $161,275 | $211,251 | $244,340 |
| Walker Pass | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wasco | $61,318 | $104,788 | $157,815 | $231,556 | $279,044 |
| Weldon | $23,898 | $40,649 | $73,048 | $121,544 | $187,278 |
| Willow Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wofford Heights | $21,664 | $51,974 | $98,666 | $160,318 | $246,519 |
| Woody | $48,985 | $108,164 | $157,732 | $262,267 | $350,812 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Kern County, California
Median Kern County Tax Bill
$2,768
Median California Tax Bill
$4,683
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Kern County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Sierra | $682 | $1,068 | $2,236 | $3,814 | $4,854 |
| Arvin | $1,546 | $2,153 | $2,682 | $3,564 | $4,011 |
| Bakersfield | $1,478 | $2,207 | $3,255 | $4,505 | $5,883 |
| Bear Valley Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bella Vista | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bodfish | $423 | $640 | $979 | $1,494 | $2,019 |
| Boron | $309 | $470 | $706 | $1,138 | $1,490 |
| Breckenridge | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Buttonwillow | $864 | $1,119 | $1,569 | $2,186 | $2,728 |
| Caliente | $679 | $1,081 | $1,822 | $2,650 | $3,666 |
| California City | $764 | $1,140 | $1,761 | $2,433 | $3,142 |
| Canebrake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cantil | $215 | $304 | $589 | $852 | $1,257 |
| China Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Claraville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Delano | $769 | $1,304 | $1,799 | $2,601 | $3,354 |
| Derby Acres | $202 | $414 | $664 | $1,001 | $1,654 |
| Devils Den | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Dustin Acres | $1,505 | $1,647 | $2,257 | $2,741 | $3,039 |
| Edison | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Edwards | $415 | $605 | $987 | $1,549 | $1,973 |
| Elk Hills | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fellows | $256 | $531 | $791 | $1,302 | $1,987 |
| Frazier Park | $695 | $1,202 | $1,929 | $2,988 | $4,200 |
| Fremont Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Glennville | $707 | $1,198 | $1,978 | $2,780 | $3,803 |
| Grass Valley | $951 | $1,394 | $2,004 | $3,149 | $3,850 |
| Greenfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Havilah | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Indian Wells | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Inyokern | $181 | $583 | $1,141 | $1,895 | $2,827 |
| Johannesburg | $211 | $294 | $446 | $740 | $1,025 |
| Keene | $1,485 | $2,942 | $4,546 | $6,476 | $8,499 |
| Kern County | $589 | $1,367 | $2,984 | $6,516 | $10,338 |
| Kernville | $553 | $1,357 | $2,269 | $3,466 | $4,742 |
| Lake Isabella | $381 | $718 | $1,281 | $1,925 | $2,788 |
| Lake Of The Woods | $829 | $994 | $1,727 | $2,361 | $3,250 |
| Lamont | $795 | $1,159 | $1,635 | $2,054 | $2,588 |
| Lancaster | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lebec | $442 | $1,020 | $1,853 | $3,167 | $4,408 |
| Lost Hills | $61 | $570 | $1,349 | $1,756 | $2,586 |
| Maricopa | $601 | $973 | $1,313 | $1,668 | $2,241 |
| Mc Farland | $839 | $1,196 | $1,784 | $2,758 | $3,205 |
| Mc Kittrick | $369 | $519 | $789 | $1,104 | $1,334 |
| Mettler | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mojave | $473 | $683 | $1,133 | $1,823 | $2,523 |
| Mountain Mesa | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| North Edwards | $363 | $415 | $569 | $2,279 | $2,966 |
| Old River | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Onyx | $387 | $519 | $790 | $1,656 | $2,426 |
| Paris Loraine | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pine Mountain Club | $1,425 | $1,990 | $2,762 | $3,860 | $4,780 |
| Pond | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Randsburg | $230 | $369 | $536 | $831 | $1,287 |
| Ridgecrest | $773 | $1,324 | $2,156 | $2,949 | $3,883 |
| Rosamond | $561 | $2,115 | $3,389 | $4,743 | $5,816 |
| Sand Canyon | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Shafter | $835 | $1,343 | $2,320 | $4,197 | $5,764 |
| South Gate | $143 | $612 | $1,316 | $1,987 | $3,073 |
| Squirrel Moutain Valley | $291 | $1,468 | $2,119 | $3,241 | $5,060 |
| Taft | $910 | $1,362 | $1,953 | $2,820 | $3,705 |
| Tehachapi | $1,284 | $2,100 | $3,204 | $4,337 | $5,459 |
| Tupman | $222 | $343 | $558 | $749 | $1,130 |
| Twin Oaks | $514 | $974 | $1,434 | $1,892 | $2,892 |
| Valley Acres | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Walker Basin | $795 | $1,096 | $1,697 | $2,387 | $2,758 |
| Walker Pass | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wasco | $722 | $1,284 | $1,937 | $2,824 | $3,444 |
| Weldon | $377 | $569 | $899 | $1,400 | $2,183 |
| Willow Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wofford Heights | $337 | $717 | $1,209 | $1,855 | $2,817 |
| Woody | $582 | $1,034 | $1,727 | $3,009 | $3,858 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | November 30 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Kern Tax Assessor | |
| Website | www.kerncounty.com |
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